Autorec signal multiplexer, autorec signal multiplexing method, program, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An image pick-up apparatus includes an image pick-up device of recording a video to generate a video signal, a photographer indication device of indicating a start of a recording and/or a stop of the recording, an AutoREC signal generation device of generating an AutoREC signal in conjunction with the start of the recording and/or the stop of the recording based on the indication, and an AutoREC signal multiplex device of multiplexing a generated AutoREC signal to a generated video signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an AutoREC signal multiplex apparatus,An AutoREC signal multiplex method, a program, and a recording mediumfor recording and reproducing video signals with a plurality ofcontinuous cuts as video files for respective cuts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When recording a video on a VTR using a video camera, a plurality ofcuts are continuously recorded on a tape according to a recording startoperation and a recording stop operation.

In a worksite of an editing operation where desired cuts are found outfrom recorded video materials and rearranged, a workflow has beenchanging rapidly from a conventional linear editing using a VTR and aSwitcher to a computer-based non-linear editing.

When performing the non-linear editing, the video material on the tapeis once retrieved on the computer as a video file; the video file isthen rearranged by editing software. In this case, since a plurality ofcuts are continuously arranged on the tape, if a video signal is simplydownloaded to the computer, a plurality of cuts will be retrieved as onevideo file.

Accordingly, it is necessary to start the editing operation fromseparating one video file for every cut to divide it into separate videofiles.

For this reason, operation efficiency is reduced in many cases.

Therefore, a technique of automatically detecting a change betweenscenes from a video file including a plurality of cuts to automaticallydivide it into video files for respective cuts (for example, refer toJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 05-290549 officialgazette), and a technique of automatically detecting a point where atime code value of a video signal becomes discontinuous to record videofiles separately (for example, refer to Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. HEI 09-46648 official gazette) are considered.

Incidentally, the entire disclosure of the Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. HEI 05-290549 official gazette and the Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. HEI 09-46648 official gazette are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

However, with the technique of automatically detecting a change betweenthe scenes mentioned above, not only a process for automatic divisionrequires a considerable time, but also there may be a case where the cutdivision is mistaken because a change between scenes with extremely fewmotions cannot be well detected. In addition, with the technique ofautomatically detecting the point where a time code value of a videosignal becomes discontinuous, since a time code remains continuous evenif cuts change, when a time code generator of the video camera is RECRUNduring picture taking, there may be a case where the discontinuity ofthe time code value cannot be well detected.

The present inventor has found that development of a system which canautomatically generate a video file for every cut more accurately isstrongly required, corresponding to the non-linear editing which hasbeen a mainstream in conjunction with a rapid progress of a computertechnology.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Taking such former problems described above into consideration, thepresent invention aims to provide an AutoREC signal multiplex apparatus,An AutoREC signal multiplex method, a program, and a recording medium,which can record and reproduce a video signal with a plurality ofcontinuous cuts as video files for respective cuts more certainly.

The 1st present invention is an AutoREC signal multiplex apparatuscomprising:

-   -   video signal generation means of generating a video signal by        recording a video,    -   indication means of indicating a start of said recording and/or        a stop of said recording,    -   AutoREC signal generation means of generating an AutoREC signal        in conjunction with the start of said recording and/or the stop        of said recording based on said indication; and    -   AutoREC signal multiplex means of multiplexing said generated        AutoREC signal with said generated video signal.

The 2nd present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 1st present invention, wherein said AutoREC signalmultiplex means multiplexes said generated AutoREC signal with saidgenerated video signal at the timing of said indication.

The 3rd present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 1st present invention, wherein said AutoREC signal ismultiplexed with a LTC (Longitudinal Time Code) user's bit or a VITC(Vertical Interval Time Code) user's bit of a frame of said videosignal.

The 4th present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 1st present invention, wherein said AutoREC signal hasa start mark to be multiplexed with a frame where said recording isstarted, and a stop mark to be multiplexed with a frame where saidrecording is stopped.

The 5th present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 4th present invention, wherein said AutoREC signalmultiplex means multiplexes said start marks with a predetermined numberof frames after the frame where said recording is started.

The 6th present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 4th present invention, wherein said AutoREC signalmultiplex means multiplexes said stop marks with a predetermined numberof frames before the frame where said recording is stopped.

The 7th present invention is the AutoREC signal multiplex apparatusaccording to the 1st present invention, wherein said AutoREC signal hasrecording marks to be multiplexed with frames where said recording iscontinued.

The 8th present invention is an AutoREC signal multiplex methodcomprising:

-   -   a video signal generation step of generating a video signal by        recording a video,    -   an indication step of indicating a start of said recording        and/or a stop of said recording,    -   an AutoREC signal generation step of generating an AutoREC        signal in conjunction with the start of said recording and/or        the stop of said recording based on said indication; and    -   an AutoREC signal multiplex step of multiplexing said generated        AutoREC signal with said generated video signal.

The 9th present invention is a program for making a computer execute:the video signal generation step of generating a video signal byrecording a video, the AutoREC signal generation step of generating anAutoREC signal in conjunction with the start of said recording and/orthe stop of said recording based on said indication, and the AutoRECsignal multiplex step of multiplexing said generated AutoREC signal withsaid generated video signal; the steps being included in the AutoRECsignal multiplex multiplex method according to the 8th presentinvention.

The 10th present invention is a recording medium which stores theprogram according to the 9th present invention, wherein the recordingmedium is computer-processible.

The 11th present invention is a video signal division apparatuscomprising:

-   -   AutoREC signal detection means of detecting an AutoREC signal        which is (1) generated, based on indication of a start of a        recording of a video and/or a stop of said recording, in        conjunction with the start of said recording and/or the stop of        said recording, and (2) multiplexed with a video signal        generated by performing said recording, and    -   video signal division means of dividing said video signal based        on a result of said detection.

The 12th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 11th present invention, wherein said AutoREC signal hasa start mark to be multiplexed with a frame where said recording isstarted, and a stop mark to be multiplexed with a frame where saidrecording is stopped.

The 13th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 12th present invention, wherein said video signaldivision means once divides said generated video signal when saidAutoREC signal detection means continuously detects said start markswithout detecting said stop marks.

The 14th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 11th present invention, wherein said AutoREC signal hasrecording marks to be multiplexed with frames where said recording iscontinued.

The 15th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 14th present invention, wherein said video signaldivision means once divides said generated video signal when saidAutoREC signal detection means stops detecting said recording marks.

The 16th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 14th present invention, wherein said recording mark hasa value which changes for every frame.

The 17th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 16th present invention, wherein said video signaldivision means once divides said generated video signal when saidAutoREC signal detection means continuously detects said recording markshaving the same value.

The 18th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 11th present invention, wherein said generated AutoRECsignal is multiplexed again with said divided video signal.

The 19th present invention is the video signal division apparatusaccording to the 11th present invention, wherein a predeterminedpre-roll video signal is inserted just before said divided video signal.

The 20th present invention is a video signal division method comprising:

-   -   an AutoREC signal detection step of detecting an AutoREC signal        which is (1) generated, based on indication of a start of a        recording of a video and/or a stop of said recording, in        conjunction with the start of said recording and/or the stop of        said recording, and (2) multiplexed with a video signal        generated by performing said recording, and    -   a video signal division step of dividing said video signal based        on a result of said detection.

The 21st present invention is a program for making a computer execute:the AutoREC signal detection step of detecting an AutoREC signal whichis (1) generated, based on indication of a start of a recording of avideo and/or a stop of said recording, in conjunction with the start ofsaid recording and/or the stop of said recording, and (2) multiplexedwith a video signal generated by performing said recording, and thevideo signal division step of dividing said video signal based on aresult of said detection; the steps being included in the video signaldivision method according to the 20th present invention.

The 22nd present invention is a recording medium which stores theprogram according to the 21st present invention, wherein the recordingmedium is computer-processible.

The 23rd present invention is a video system, comprising:

-   -   an AutoREC signal multiplex apparatus, having video signal        generation means of generating a video signal by recording a        video, indication means of indicating a start of said recording        and/or a stop of said recording, AutoREC signal generation means        of generating an AutoREC signal in conjunction with the start of        said recording and/or the stop of said recording based on said        indication, and AutoREC signal multiplex means of multiplexing        said generated AutoREC signal with said generated video signal,        and    -   a video signal division apparatus, having AutoREC signal        detection means of detecting an AutoREC signal which is        multiplexed with said video signal, and video signal division        means of dividing said video signal based on a result of said        detection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video recording system of Embodiment 1according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a video signal and an AutoREC signal when thereis a stop mark of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a video recording system of Embodiment 2according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a video signal and an AutoREC signal when thereis no stop mark of an embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of an AutoREC signal represented by2 bits of an embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a pre-roll video insertion of anembodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a view showing an AutoREC signal in inserting a pre-roll videoof an embodiment according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   -   11: Image pick-up means    -   12: AutoREC signal generation means    -   13: AutoREC signal multiplex means    -   14: AutoREC signal detection means    -   15: Video recording means

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, referring to drawings, description will be made ofembodiments with regard to the present invention.

Embodiment 1

First, mainly referring to FIG. 1 which is a block diagram of a videorecording system of embodiment 1 according to the present invention,description will be made of a configuration of the video recordingsystem according to this embodiment.

The video recording system of this embodiment consists of an imagepick-up device and a video recorder.

The image pick-up device comprises: photographer indication means 10 ofreceiving indications of a recording start operation and a recordingstop operation from a photographer; image pick-up means 11 of generatinga video signal; AutoREC signal generation means 12 of generating anAutoREC signal in conjunction with the recording start operation andstop operation of the image pick-up device; and AutoREC signal multiplexmeans 13 of multiplexing the AutoREC signal with the video signal

The video recorder comprises: AutoREC signal detection means 14 ofdetecting the AutoREC signal which is multiplexed with the video signal;and video recording means 15 of recording the video signal as a separatevideo file for every cut by performing the video recording start andstop in conjunction with a detected AutoREC signal.

When multiplexing the AutoREC signal with the video signal, it ismultiplexed with a LTC (Longitudinal Time Code) user's bit of the videosignal or a VITC (Vertical Interval Time Code) user's bit of the videosignal. Then, without using a special system, it becomes possible toperform a normal recording/reproduction using an existing videorecorder/reproducer with a state where the AutoREC signal is multiplexedwith the video signal.

Incidentally, the image pick-up means 11 corresponds to the video signalgeneration means according to the present invention, the photographerindication means 10 corresponds to the indication means according to thepresent invention, the AutoREC signal generation means 12 corresponds tothe AutoREC signal generation means according to the present invention,the AutoREC signal multiplex means 13 corresponds to the AutoREC signalmultiplex means according to the present invention, and the imagepick-up device of this embodiment corresponds to the AutoREC signalmultiplex apparatus according to the present invention.

In addition, the AutoREC signal detection means 14 corresponds to theAutoREC signal detection means according to the present invention, thevideo recording means 15 corresponds to the video signal division meansaccording to the present invention, and the video recorder of thisembodiment corresponds to the video signal division apparatus accordingto the present invention.

Then, description will be made of operations of the video recordingsystem of this embodiment. Incidentally, while making description of theoperations of the video recording system of this embodiment, descriptionwill also be made of one embodiment of an AutoREC signal multiplexmethod, and a video signal division method, according to the presentinvention (The same way applies to the other embodiments.)

The AutoREC signal multiplex means 13 multiplexes the AutoREC signalgenerated by the AutoREC signal generation means 12 in conjunction withthe recording start operation and stop operation of the photographerreceived from the photographer indication means 10 with the video signaltaken by the image pick-up means 11, and makes it an output signal ofthe image pick-up device.

Thereby, information on a start point and an end point of a cut ismultiplexed with the video signal itself, and it becomes a signal towhich an automatic cut division recording can be performed.

Then, the video signal, with which the AutoREC signal is multiplexed, isreceived into the video recorder.

The video recorder separates the AutoREC signal which is multiplexedwith the video signal by the AutoREC signal detection means 14. Then,the video recorder detects the information on the start point and theend point of the cut generated in conjunction with the recording startoperation and stop operation of the image pick-up device, and controlsthe video recording means 15 so as to start the recording at the startpoint of the cut and to stop the recording at the end point of the cut.

Thereby, it is made possible to automatically record/reproduce videosignals with a plurality of continuous cuts as video files forrespective cuts.

Then, description will be made of operation of the video recordingsystem of this embodiment in more details.

FIG. 2 exemplarily shows a typical AutoREC signal in a case where thereis a stop mark.

Reference numerals 21-23 represent video signals including threecontinuous cuts 1-3, reference numeral 24 represents a start mark of anAutoREC signal, reference numeral 25 represents a recording mark of theAutoREC signal, and reference numeral 26 represents a stop mark of theAutoREC signal.

Generally, a plurality of cuts are arranged in video signals which arerecorded/transmitted through a video tape, a transmission path or thelike.

Also in this embodiment, the photographer performs a recording startoperation and stop operation at a start point and an end point of eachof cuts 1-3.

The AutoREC signal generation means 12 generates the start mark 24 onhead N frames of each of cuts 1-3 by the recording start operation,generates the recording mark 25 during recording, and generates the stopmark 26 on tail M frames of each of cuts 1-3 by the stop operation.

It is important that since the start mark 24 and the stop mark 26 aremultiplexed with a plurality of frames, even if several frames whichexist in the head and the tail of each cut would drop out duringdubbing, an edit process or the like, the function as the AutoREC signalis not lost.

In addition, by multiplexing the recording mark 25 with the frame underrecording, it becomes possible to certainly distinguish the frame underrecording.

To sum up, the image pick-up device comprises: image pick-up means ofgenerating the video signal; AutoREC signal generation means ofgenerating the AutoREC signal in conjunction with the recording startoperation and stop operation of the image pick-up device; and AutoRECsignal multiplex means of multiplexing the AutoREC signal with the videosignal. In addition, the video recorder comprises: AutoREC signaldetection means of detecting the AutoREC signal which is multiplexedwith the video signal; and video recording means of recording videosignals as a separate video file for every cut by performing therecoding start and stop in conjunction with the detected AutoREC signal.By utilizing such a video recording system, information on the startpoint and the end point of the cut is multiplexed beforehand with avideo material itself during a step of recording the video material.Then, it is made possible to detect a change between the cuts certainlyand to record them as separate video files.

In addition, the start mark is continued during a period of at least Nframes (N≧1) from a recording start frame of a camera. In addition, thestop mark is continued during a period of at least M frames (M≧1) beforea recording stop frame of the camera. Then, since the start mark and thestop mark are multiplexed with a plurality of the frames, even when thehead or tail frames of the cuts drop out by the editing operation or thelike, the dropout of the AutoREC signal decreases.

Embodiment 2

First, mainly referring to FIG. 3 which is a block diagram of a videorecording system of embodiment 2 according to the present invention,description will be made of a configuration of the video recordingsystem of this embodiment.

A video recording system of this embodiment consists of a reproducer 31and a video recorder.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the video recorder which receives avideo signal, with which the AutoREC signal reproduced by the reproducer31 is multiplexed, and realizes an automatic cut division recording.

The video recorder of this embodiment comprises: AutoREC signaldetection means 32; and video recording means 33.

Incidentally, the AutoREC signal detection means 32 corresponds to theAutoREC signal detection means according to the present invention, thevideo recording means 33 corresponds to the video signal division meansaccording to the present invention, and the video recorder of thisembodiment corresponds to the video signal division apparatus accordingto the present invention.

Then, description will be made of operation of the video recordingsystem of this embodiment.

When the AutoREC signal is multiplexed with the video signal, and isrecorded and reproduced simultaneously, the reproduction video signalfrom the reproducer is also outputted in a state where the AutoRECsignal is multiplexed.

In the video recorder of this embodiment, the AutoREC signal detectionmeans 32 can detect the start point and the end point of the cut basedon the start mark, the recording mark, and the stop mark of the AutoRECsignal. Then, the AutoREC signal detection means 32 controls the videorecording means 33 so as to start recording at the start point of thecut and to stop the recording at the end point of the cut.

Thereby, it is made possible to automatically record the reproductionvideo signal with a plurality of continuous cuts as video files forrespective cuts separately.

To sum up, even when the image pick-up device and the video recorder arenot directly connected through a transmission path but the videomaterial is once recorded on the tape or the like, it is possible tocertainly perform the automatic cut division to the reproduction videoof the tape. Specifically, as mentioned above, the AutoREC signalgeneration means generates codes showing at least three states, a startmark at the time of a recording start, a recording mark under recording,and a stop mark at the time of a recording stop by a camera, for everyframe, and makes them as the AutoREC signal. Therefore, it is possibleto detect not only the start point/end point of the cut but also theinside of the effective cut by means of the recording marks.

In addition, the video recording means records simultaneously both thevideo signal, and the AutoREC signal which is multiplexed with the videosignal. Then, the AutoREC signal which is multiplexed with the videosignal is also reproduced simultaneously when reproducing the recordedvideo signal, and the automatic cut division recording of the videosignal reproduced becomes available again.

In addition, in the reproducer which continuously reproduces a pluralityof video files without interruption, the start mark is multiplexed andoutputted during a period of N frames (N≧1) from the head of each videofile, the stop mark is multiplexed and outputted during a period of Mframes (M≧1) from the tail of each video file, and the recording mark ismultiplexed and outputted during another period. Then, the AutoRECsignal for every cut can be multiplexed also with the video signal afterrearranging and editing the video file, and the automatic cut divisionrecording of the video signal reproduced becomes available again.

Description has been made in details of the embodiments 1-2 in theabove.

(1) Incidentally, FIG. 4 exemplarily shows a typical AutoREC signal in acase where the stop mark has been lost for a reason as mentioned below.

Reference numerals 41-43 are video signals including three continuouscuts 1-3, reference numerals 44 and 46 are start marks of the AutoRECsignal, and reference numeral 45 is a recording mark of the AutoRECsignal.

Generally, as described in the embodiment mentioned above, the startmark, the recording mark, and the stop mark are multiplexed for everycut.

However, for example, when the video tape is partially overwritten andthe video is recorded, there may be a case where the AutoREC signalwhich has been previously recorded is left in the front and backsections. In addition, there may be a case where the stop mark is erasedby overwriting.

In such cases, the stop mark can not be detected ideally.

If the stop mark cannot be detected, as the video recording means 15(refer to FIG. 1) cannot stop the recording operation permanently, thereis a fear that even the recording as a separate video file for every cutbecomes impossible.

Therefore, the video recording means 15 (refer to FIG. 1) may becontrolled so that the recording is once stopped when the next startmark is detected before detecting the stop mark and the recording of avideo file is started as another cut immediately after that.

To sum up, in the AutoREC signal detection means, when the start mark iscontinuously detected without detecting the stop mark, by starting therecording after stopping the recording once, it becomes possible toperform the automatic cut division even for the video signal in whichthe stop mark has dropped out, only by detecting the start mark.

Incidentally, when the stop mark cannot be detected, there is alsoanother embodiment of stopping the recording operation as follows.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a case where the AutoREC signal isrepresented by 2 bits.

Reference numerals 51-53 are video signals including three continuouscuts 1-3, reference numeral 54 represents the start mark of the AutoRECsignal in code “11” with 2 bits, reference numeral 55 represents therecording mark of the AutoREC signal in alternately inverting codes “10”and “01” with 2 bits, and reference numeral 56 represents the stop markof the AutoREC signal in code “00” with 2 bits.

In a case of the reproduction signal of the tapes or the like, on whichthe video signal represented by the code with the recording mark 55changing for every frame is recorded, a change of the recording mark(that is, alternate invert of “10” and “01”) stops at the same time whenthe tape reproduction is stopped.

It becomes possible to automatically stop the automatic cut divisionrecording because the change of the recording mark stops.

Of course, although the example where the AutoREC signal is representedby 2 bits is described, the AutoREC signal does not need to berepresented by 2 bits, other codes may be used as long as they canappropriately represent the start mark, the recording mark, and the stopmark.

To sum up, a code whose value changes for every frame may be preferablyused as the recording mark. Then, even when the reproduction of the tapestops by the user's operation in the middle of performing the automaticcut division recording of the video material once recorded on the tapeor the like, the risk that the automatic recording can not be stoppedsince the stop mark can not permanently be detected is reduced. That is,due to the stop of the change of the recording mark, it becomes possibleto automatically stop the recording.

(2) In addition, FIG. 6 exemplarily shows a reproduction video signal ina case where a pre-roll video is inserted and a case where it is notinserted.

Reference numerals 61-63 are video signals including three continuouscuts 1-3, and reference numeral 64 is the pre-roll video.

In the reproduction signal where the pre-roll video is not inserted,three cuts 61-63 are continuously reproduced without interruption.

As compared with this, the case where the pre-roll video is inserted, itis continuously reproduced in a state where a predetermined pre-rollvideo 64 is inserted just before each of cuts 61-63.

The pre-roll video may be any video, such as a black burst signal (fullscreen black), a color bar signal, a count-down signal or the likeprepared beforehand, which can be distinguished from the cut of generalpicture taking by a camera.

By inserting the pre-roll video just before each cut and reproducing it,it is possible to arrange a run-up section for the time of the pre-rollvideo before the reproduction of each cut is started.

For this reason, there is time for rewinding the tape, adjusting thephase or the like to effectively function at the time of the linearediting using a VTR, thereby it becomes possible to perform an accurateediting operation.

To sum up, in the reproducer which continuously reproduces a pluralityof video files without interruption, it is preferable to insert apre-roll video before each of a plurality of continuous cuts, byinserting a predetermined pre-roll video file just before each videofile while performing continuous reproduction. By inserting the pre-rollvideo, it is possible to attach a continuous invalid video before eachcut and to make the head of the cut easy to be found out visually. Inaddition, even when the output video of the reproducer is received intothe linear editing system using the VTR, it is possible to secure thepre-roll time in consideration of mechanical start-up time of the VTR.

(3) In addition, FIG. 7 exemplarily shows an AutoREC signal in a casewhere a pre-roll video does not exist and a case where it does exist.

Reference numerals 71-73 are video signals including three continuouscuts 1-3, reference numeral 74 is an inserted pre-roll video, referencenumeral 75 is a start mark of the AutoREC signal, reference numeral 76is a recording mark of the AutoREC signal, and reference numeral 77 is astop mark of the AutoREC signal.

In the case where the pre-roll video is not inserted, regarding thereproduction video signal, three cuts 71-73 are continuously reproducedwithout interruption. For every cut basis, the start mark 75 ismultiplexed and outputted during a period of the N frames (N≧1) from areproduction start frame, the recording mark 76 is multiplexed andoutputted for the frames under reproduction, and the stop mark 77 ismultiplexed and outputted during a period of the M frames (M≧1) before areproduction stop frame.

On the other hand, in the case where the pre-roll video is inserted andreproduced, the continuous reproduction is performed in a state wherethe predetermined pre-roll video 74 is inserted just before each of thecuts 71-73. Only to the effective cuts 1-3 other than the pre-rollvideo, for every cut basis, the start mark 75 is multiplexed andoutputted during a period of the N frames (N≧1) from the reproductionstart frame, the recording mark 76 is multiplexed and outputted for theframes under reproduction, the stop mark 77 is multiplexed and outputtedduring a period of the M frames (M≧1) before the reproduction stopframe.

Accordingly, when performing again the automatic cut division recordingof the reproduction video signal, in which the pre-roll video isinserted, it becomes possible to automatically record only the effectivecuts 1-3 on separate video files with skipping the pre-roll video.

To sum up, by multiplexing the AutoREC signal only with the video filesother than the pre-roll video file, the AutoREC signal is multiplexedonly with the effective cut without attaching the AutoREC signal to thepre-roll video. Then, when performing the automatic cut divisionrecording of the reproduction output again, in which the pre-roll videois inserted, it is made possible that only the effective cut isrecorded.

Thus, it is made possible to automatically record/reproduce videosignals with a plurality of continuous cuts as video files forrespective cuts separately, and thereby an efficiency of the videoediting operation is increased.

Then, the following effects are expectable.

(A) Since the AutoREC signal is multiplexed with the video signal and isrecorded/reproduced simultaneously, the video signal itself comes tokeep information on the start point and the end point of the cut.

(B) In a case where the automatic cut division recording is performed tothe reproduction signal of the tapes or the like recording the videosignal with which the AutoREC signal is multiplexed, it becomes possibleto automatically stop the automatic cut division recording at the sametime when the tape reproduction is stopped.

(C) By inserting and reproducing the pre-roll video, the run-up sectionof the VTR can be arranged before each cut, thereby it becomes possibleto perform the accurate linear editing.

(D) Also in the case of inserting the pre-roll video, the AutoREC signalis multiplexed only with the start point and the end point of theeffective cut. For this reason, in a case where the reproduction video,in which the pre-roll video has been inserted, is received to performthe automatic cut division recording again, only the effective cut isrecorded.

Incidentally, a program according to the present invention is a programof making a computer execute operations of all or a part of the steps(or processes, operations, functions or the like) of the AutoREC signalmultiplex method, and the video signal division method according to thepresent invention mentioned above, which runs to collaborate with thecomputer.

In addition, a recording medium according to the present invention is arecording medium storing the program of making a computer executeoperations of all or a part of the steps (or processes, operations,functions or the like) of the AutoREC signal multiplex method, and thevideo signal division method according to the present inventionmentioned above, which is computer-readable wherein said read programruns said operations to collaborate with said computer.

Incidentally, above “a part of the steps (or processes, operations,functions or the like)” according to the present invention means one orsome steps among a plurality of those steps.

In addition, above “operations of the steps (or processes, operations,functions or the like)” according to the present invention meansoperations of all or a part of said steps.

In addition, one embodiment of the program according to the presentinvention may be a form which is recorded on the computer-readablerecording medium, and runs to collaborate with the computer.

In addition, one embodiment of the program according to the presentinvention may be a form which transmits inside a transmission media, isread by the computer, and runs to collaborate with the computer.

In addition, ROMs or the like are included as the recording medium andthe transmission medium such as the Internet, light/electricwave/acoustic wave or the like are included as the transmission media.

In addition, the computers according to the present invention mentionedabove may be not only pure hardware such as CPUs or the like but alsofirmware and OS, and may further include peripheral equipment.

Incidentally, as described above the configuration according to thepresent invention may be realized in software or may be realized inhardware.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention has an advantage in that video signals with aplurality of continuous cuts can be more certainly recorded orreproduced as a video file for every cut.

1. An AutoREC signal multiplex apparatus comprising: video signalgeneration means of generating a video signal by recording a video,indication means of indicating a start of said recording and/or a stopof said recording, AutoREC signal generation means of generating anAutoREC signal, which has recording marks to be multiplexed with frameswhere said recording is continued, in conjunction with the start of saidrecording and/or the stop of said recording based on said indication;and AutoREC signal multiplex means of multiplexing said generatedAutoREC signal with said generated video signal.
 2. The AutoREC signalmultiplex apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said AutoREC signalmultiplex means multiplexes said generated AutoREC signal with saidgenerated video signal at the timing of said indication.
 3. The AutoRECsignal multiplex apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said AutoRECsignal is multiplexed with a LTC (Longitudinal Time Code) user's bit ora VITC (Vertical Interval Time Code) user's bit of a frame of said videosignal.
 4. The AutoREC signal multiplex apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said AutoREC signal has a start mark to be multiplexed with aframe where said recording is started, and a stop mark to be multiplexedwith a frame where said recording is stopped.
 5. The AutoREC signalmultiplex apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said AutoREC signalmultiplex means multiplexes said start marks with a predetermined numberof frames after the frame where said recording is started.
 6. TheAutoREC signal multiplex apparatus according to claim 4, wherein saidAutoREC signal multiplex means multiplexes said stop marks with apredetermined number of frames before the frame where said recording isstopped.
 7. (canceled)
 8. An AutoREC signal multiplex method comprising:a video signal generation step of generating a video signal by recordinga video, an indication step of indicating a start of said recordingand/or a stop of said recording, an AutoREC signal generation step ofgenerating an AutoREC signal, which has recording marks to bemultiplexed with frames where said recording is continued, inconjunction with the start of said recording and/or the stop of saidrecording based on said indication; and an AutoREC signal multiplex stepof multiplexing said generated AutoREC signal with said generated videosignal.
 9. A program for making a computer execute: the video signalgeneration step of generating a video signal by recording a video, theAutoREC signal generation step of generating an AutoREC signal, whichhas recording marks to be multiplexed with frames where said recordingis continued, in conjunction with the start of said recording and/or thestop of said recording based on said indication, and the AutoREC signalmultiplex step of multiplexing said generated AutoREC signal with saidgenerated video signal; the steps being included in the AutoREC signalmultiplex method according to claim
 8. 10. A recording medium whichstores the program according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium iscomputer-processible.
 11. A video signal division apparatus comprising:AutoREC signal detection means of detecting an AutoREC signal which is(1) generated, based on indication of a start of a recording of a videoand/or a stop of said recording, in conjunction with the start of saidrecording and/or the stop of said recording, and (2) multiplexed with avideo signal generated by performing said recording, and video signaldivision means of dividing said video signal based on a result of saiddetection.
 12. The video signal division apparatus according to claim11, wherein said AutoREC signal has a start mark to be multiplexed witha frame where said recording is started, and a stop mark to bemultiplexed with a frame where said recording is stopped.
 13. The videosignal division apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said videosignal division means once divides said generated video signal when saidAutoREC signal detection means continuously detects said start markswithout detecting said stop marks.
 14. The video signal divisionapparatus according to claim 11, wherein said AutoREC signal hasrecording marks to be multiplexed with frames where said recording iscontinued.
 15. The video signal division apparatus according to claim14, wherein said video signal division means once divides said generatedvideo signal when said AutoREC signal detection means stops detectingsaid recording marks.
 16. The video signal division apparatus accordingto claim 14, wherein said recording mark has a value which changes forevery frame.
 17. The video signal division apparatus according to claim16, wherein said video signal division means once divides said generatedvideo signal when said AutoREC signal detection means continuouslydetects said recording marks having the same value.
 18. The video signaldivision apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said generated AutoRECsignal is multiplexed again with said divided video signal.
 19. Thevideo signal division apparatus according to claim 11, wherein apredetermined pre-roll video signal is inserted just before said dividedvideo signal.
 20. A video signal division method comprising: an AutoRECsignal detection step of detecting an AutoREC signal which is (1)generated, based on indication of a start of a recording of a videoand/or a stop of said recording, in conjunction with the start of saidrecording and/or the stop of said recording, and (2) multiplexed with avideo signal generated by performing said recording, and a video signaldivision step of dividing said video signal based on a result of saiddetection.
 21. A program for making a computer execute: the AutoRECsignal detection step of detecting an AutoREC signal which is (1)generated, based on indication of a start of a recording of a videoand/or a stop of said recording, in conjunction with the start of saidrecording and/or the stop of said recording, and (2) multiplexed with avideo signal generated by performing said recording, and the videosignal division step of dividing said video signal based on a result ofsaid detection; the steps being included in the video signal divisionmethod according to claim
 20. 22. A recording medium which stores theprogram according to claim 21, wherein the recording medium iscomputer-processible.
 23. A video system, comprising: an AutoREC signalmultiplex apparatus, having video signal generation means of generatinga video signal by recording a video, indication means of indicating astart of said recording and/or a stop of said recording, AutoREC signalgeneration means of generating an AutoREC signal in conjunction with thestart of said recording and/or the stop of said recording based on saidindication, and AutoREC signal multiplex means of multiplexing saidgenerated AutoREC signal with said generated video signal, and a videosignal division apparatus, having AutoREC signal detection means ofdetecting an AutoREC signal which is multiplexed with said video signal,and video signal division means of dividing said video signal based on aresult of said detection.